Spring Preview: 2023 Difference-Makers

Spring is right around the corner. With spring comes the transition into grassroots basketball. As we prepare for that transition, here is a rundown of multiple 2023 difference-makers from this region.

Curtis Blair III Curtis Blair III 6'6" | SF Steward School | 2023 State #41 Nation VA

804 resident Curtis Blair III Curtis Blair III 6'6" | SF Steward School | 2023 State #41 Nation VA is already considered one of the best prospects in the state regardless of class. He’s a potent three-level scorer on the wing with a durable frame. Blair is known by essentially every major D1 school in the commonwealth, but it’s probably just a matter of time before his recruitment expands. 

Kwame Evans Kwame Evans 6'8" | SF Baltimore Poly | 2023 #13 Nation FL

Kwame Evans Kwame Evans 6'8" | SF Baltimore Poly | 2023 #13 Nation FL is currently considered the top 2023 prospect in Maryland and one of the top prospects in the nation. The rangy left-hander is a premier athlete who can dribble, pass, and shoot. Evans is likely already on the radar of most high majors, and he should be. 

DeShawn Harris-Smith DeShawn Harris-Smith 6'5" | SF Paul VI | 2023 State #60 Nation VA

DeShawn Harris-Smith DeShawn Harris-Smith 6'5" | SF Paul VI | 2023 State #60 Nation VA is the ultimate glue guy. He’s a strong southpaw who can guard the opposing team’s best player. DHS attacks the boards with aggression and not only absorbs contact but invites it when finishing around the rim. 

Amani Hansberry Amani Hansberry 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2023 State #37 Nation MD

There have not been many who’ve matched the pure productivity of level of Amani Hansberry Amani Hansberry 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2023 State #37 Nation MD to date. He’s a walking double-double who usually sprinkles in a few assists for good measure. Hansberry is already one of the most valuable players in the DC area but is still improving.  

Jamie Kaiser Jamie Kaiser 6'6" | SG Bishop Ireton | 2023 State #117 Nation VA

Jamie Kaiser Jamie Kaiser 6'6" | SG Bishop Ireton | 2023 State #117 Nation VA enjoyed a productive sophomore campaign. The dynamic wing scored 30 or more points multiple times and led his team to a regional semifinal. Kaiser is not just a scorer though. He rebounds, defends, reads the game, and competes at a high level. 

Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #38 Nation MD

Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #38 Nation MD is one of the more creative passers you’ll find in high school basketball. He knows when and how to push the ball ahead securely and swiftly. Lamothe also makes the simple extra passes that are often effective but also has the guile to execute passes that are much more difficult.